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Find Your Niche - the Internet Marketer's Goldmine
By Finn Malten
If you haven't heard the word 'niche' being batted around by Internet Marketers
then you haven't been listening. Finding a niche has become the antidote to
competing in overly saturated online markets.
What is a niche?
According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary a niche is described as "a
place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best
fitted... a specialized market".
Have you noticed that despite the closing of many businesses in these harsh
economic times, the local hobby train store is still around? That the
'hole-in-the-wall' eatery is thriving? Or that trends such as scrapbooking can
start with a bang and still close within a year when four similar businesses
start up in the same area?
The online business world reflects the same trends as experienced in the offline
world - often with faster turnover and startup rates. Those who promote a
product or site that targets a small, select audience can tap into a market that
is otherwise not being served. Despite the limitations of the client base, the
targeted nature of the business creates a devoted and active market - the aim of
any business.
HOW DO I FIND A NICHE?
Finding a niche requires diligent research. Whether you have access to software
that harvests and sorts information or you take a manual approach you must first
start with ideas.
With a pen and paper (or computer, if that's more comfortable) brainstorm a list
of businesses, products and industries. Create a list of keywords and phrases
you think would be used by individuals looking for these items online.
Use a software program such as Wordtracker, http://www.wordtracker.com, or
a free resource such as the Overture Keyword Selector Tool, http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion, to find keywords for your niche that have a high amount of traffic.
Although a program like Wordtracker makes it easy to find details such as how
many sites compete for that market, you can also do your own research.
Concentrate your attention on question phrases such as "how do I..." or "where
can I...". These questions will clue you into potential markets that need servicing.
Next, look in Google Answers, http://answers.google.com/answers, (find the "Search Google Answers for" column), type one of your keywords into the search area.
What questions are being asked and how much are people willing to pay for
answers? If you find a group of keywords with a high number of questions then
enter these words in your browser's search engine.
What sites come up? Do they provide answers or solutions to the problem? How are
they making money? Can you see an opportunity to service these individuals?
Finding a niche can open the door to a profitable online business. Research the
market and be certain that your product or service is valuable to this group.
Find forums or groups that target this audience and pay close attention to their
concerns.
If you can help these people you WILL make money. The best of both worlds!
About the Author
Finn Malten is an Internet Marketer with a special interest in the little known
goldmine of Public Domain. You can learn more about Public Domain on his website
http://www.searchpublicdomain.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/20548.html
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